QPK 2 PAR 2

QUEEN'S PARK v PARTICK THISTLE

- BY GORDON PARKS

THE sideshow in the alternative Glasgow derby had a police helicopter hovering above the City Stadium to monitor Partick ultras letting off flares and fireworks on a Mount Florida hill.

Throw in a sending-off, two fans having a punch-up in the stand and Euan Murray scoring at both ends as the Spiders fought back from two goals down and there was something for everyone.

But amid all the off and on-field drama, the sense from the Queen's defender was that it was two points dropped against a Jags side he rates the best in the division.

The 31-year-old insists his misfortune at putting the ball through his own net was balanced by the spirit shown in side’s recovery which typified a one-for-all approach.

Murray said: "I think if anyone offered us two each against arguably the best team in the league, after going 2-0 down, we would have taken it.

"I think they're a really good side. They're as good as anyone in this league on their day. I thought they started the game really well.

"We never really got going and then we obviously went two goals down so it became a real uphill task.

"But that’s probably the biggest strength we have as a squad, the togetherness and the team spirit. We showed that in abundance.